Bill > LD556

This bill adds a new section to Maine state law that prevents municipalities from banning specific heating or energy systems that individuals or businesses might choose to use. Specifically, the legislation prohibits local governments from creating ordinances that would stop people or companies from using any safe and commercially available heating or energy system of their choice, or from working with energy distributors to install, connect, service, or resupply such systems. The bill defines an "energy distributor" as an entity allowed to supply energy sources like oil, propane, natural gas, wood, or renewable resources. Importantly, the bill does not remove a municipality's ability to encourage certain energy systems or spend funds supporting particular types of energy systems, nor does it exempt energy distributors from existing licensing or regulatory requirements. The intent appears to be preserving consumer and business choice in energy systems at the local level, preventing municipalities from unilaterally restricting energy options that are otherwise considered safe and commercially viable.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=556&snum=132